Roads and Transport Authority Tests World’s First Autonomous Pods

February 12, 201812:24 pm

Each pod weighs about 1,500kg and has a capacity to accommodate 10 riders (six seated, four standing). Its average speed is 20 km/h.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Next Future Transportation, launched the first tests of the world’s first autonomous pods on the sidelines of the World Government Summit. The step is part of RTA’s efforts under Dubai Future Accelerators initiatives.

The autonomous pods are designed to travel short and medium distances in dedicated lanes. They can be coupled in 15 to 20 seconds or detached, depending on the destination of riders, in 5 seconds. The autonomous pods are fitted with cameras and electromechanical technologies to carry out the coupling and detaching processes, and this feature can be activated in-motion.

Each pod measures 2.87m in length, 2.24m in width and 2.82m in height. It weighs about 1,500kg and has a capacity to accommodate 10 riders (six seated, four standing). The autonomous pod is fitted with a battery that supports three hours of operation, and is chargeable in six hours. Its average speed is 20 km/h.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said, “The pilot test of driverless units is directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the context of transforming Dubai into the smartest city worldwide.

“It is also part of RTA endeavors to provide autonomous transport through carrying out technological tests on autonomous transport means under Dubai’s climatic conditions. It echoes the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy aimed at converting 25% of mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transportation by 2030. The move also contributes to achieving the integration of public transit means and people happiness through providing smooth, quick and innovative transit means,” added Al Tayer.

About Nelson Régo

Nelson Régo is the owner and founder of the Cool Blind Tech website since November of 2012. Nelson launched the first show on March 14, 2013. He also directs the website as a whole, hiring staff, originating new shows, and approving all content.